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D-backs grateful for moms' lifelong support

The Arizona Diamondbacks appreciate mothers everywhere for their love and support on Mothers' Day

By Steve Gilbert
/
MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- Much has been written about how baseball bonds fathers and their sons, but baseball has also served as a bond between mothers and a number of D-backs players.

With Sunday being Mother's Day, we asked a few D-backs players how their mothers had helped in their careers.

Ian Kennedy, RHP, son of Teri Kennedy
"From when I was about 10 until 12, my dad took a job where he had to go back and forth between Louisville and California and he worked weekends. So every weekend, my mom had to drive me anywhere from 30-45 minutes away for games or practice. So, career-wise, it was at that time my mom would take me everywhere.

"I think you ask any baseball player -- they're pretty close to their moms. I don't know what it is about baseball players and their moms, but they're all momma's boys."

Trevor Cahill, RHP, son of JoAnn Cahill
"She took me everywhere. In high school, she was big on not making us work during the summer if we had an activity we were doing like baseball. She wanted me to be a kid and she knew I loved baseball, so she wanted me to have the chance to play. She didn't think it was going to take me this far.

"It happened suddenly. All of a sudden, scouts were at the house and the next thing I knew, I was in the Minor Leagues and then the big leagues pretty quick."

J.J. Putz, RHP, son of Llonda Putz
"Growing up, my mom was always around for my brother and I. She never seemed to miss anything. She and my dad both instilled a hard work ethic in us. They both worked very hard to always make sure my brother and I had everything we needed. She was very successful in business and someone my brother and I always looked up to."

Eric Hinske, INF, son of Connie Hinske
"She was just an enabler for me -- whatever I wanted to do, she was always in support of me. She never said no when it came to sports. She always put her kids first, and that's a pretty cool thing. My mom and dad are still married after 40 years, which is pretty cool. She's my mom, man. She's just the best."

Matt Williams, third-base coach, son of Sarah Williams
"I think for any son, mom is the one you lean on. Dad teaches you how to be a man and all that stuff, but mom's relationships with sons are a little different. They know when something is wrong and they know what buttons to push to get something out of you or delve deeper into your brain. They have huge impacts. They're the ones that go to all the games and make the lunches and all those things to help us along the way."

A.J. Pollock, OF, son of Karen Pollock
"She's been a great support for me. She texts me before every game. She's unbelievably supportive. She's awesome. It stinks she won't be here during Mother's Day, but I'll make sure I get her something nice."

Cliff Pennington, SS, son of Debbie Pennington
"My mom has always been that positive person behind the scenes. Whether it's a good day or bad day, she'll tell you that you're awesome. I could go 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, but I caught a popup, so I was great. That's just the way she's always been. She's just always been so supportive of me."